Housing in a time of crisis: Portugal and Spain an overview

Abstract

Since the '70's until the current economic crisis Portugal and Spain, had changed social and economically, with significant impact transformations on the housing market: growing urbanization; the growth of home ownership; the increase of tourism and the expansion of second homes; the increase in the number of vacant dwellings and residual social housing sector. Following the deep economic crisis, these countries have experienced a significant increase in poverty rates and housing exclusion. Socio-economic conditions decreased and households have experienced increased difficulties too accessing and maintaining suitable accommodation. Middle class and workers with temporary contracts are the most affected, by the increase unemployment, the decrease social benefits, the limited accessibility to stabilised jobs and home ownership difficulties. The purpose of this communication is to assess the impact of the crisis in the housing sector of the two countries